Man charged over daylight carjacking
An alleged car-jacker who sparked a citywide manhunt over two dramatic, daylight incidents in Sydney's inner west has been arrested and charged.
Faafetai Valeni, 26, is expected to face Parramatta Bail Court today on a raft of violence and theft-related charges.
It's alleged Mr Valeni approached a man in his 50s on Victoria Rd, Drummoyne, and punched him multiple times in the head.
Police were told Mr Valeni then crossed the road to a service station and got into the passenger seat of a Mitsubishi Lancer, threatening the driver of the vehicle into taking him towards the city.
While driving towards the city, the driver pulled into another service station on Victoria Road, Rozelle, and ran from the vehicle.
Mr Valeni then allegedly entered the driver’s seat and drove away in the car.
Later in the day, police allegedly found Mr Valeni sitting inside the stolen vehicle in Wolli Creek.
He was arrested, taken to Kogorah police station and charged with common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, unlawfully take/drive motor vehicle with person in it, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.
The man injured in the initial alleged attack suffered bruises and swelling to his face and was taken to a nearby medical centre for treatment.
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